Vital pulp therapy: histopathology and histobacteriology-based guidelines to treat teeth with deep caries and pulp exposure.

Objectives: Vital pulp therapy (VPT) encompasses distinct treatment modalities for deep caries that approximate the pulp chamber in vital teeth. Confusion exists in the literature in terms of the indication and rationale for each VPT approach. The objectives of the present study are to elucidate the indications for VPT and to present a set of histopathology and histobacteriology-based guidelines for VPT in teeth with deep caries.

Self-healing adhesive with antibacterial activity in water-aging for 12 months.

Objective: Secondary caries and micro-cracks are the main limiting factors for dentin bond durability. The objectives of this study were to develop a self-healing adhesive containing dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) and nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP), and investigate the effects of water-aging for 12 months on self-healing, dentin bonding, and antibacterial properties for the first time.

Methods: Microcapsules were synthesized with poly (urea-formaldehyde) (PUF) shells containing triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and N,N-dihydroxyethyl-p-toluidine (DHEPT).

Protection against HEMA-Induced Mitochondrial Injury by Nrf2 Activation.

Dental resin monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) disturb vital cell functions and induce mitochondrial intrinsic apoptosis via generation of oxidative stress. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates the gene expression of antioxidative enzymes and plays a crucial role in the maintenance of cellular redox equilibrium and mitochondrial homeostasis. The present study investigated the functional significance of Nrf2 in cellular response toward HEMA.

Poly(amido amine) and rechargeable adhesive containing calcium phosphate nanoparticles for long-term dentin remineralization.

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to investigate long-term dentin remineralization via the combination of poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) with a novel rechargeable adhesive containing nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP).

Methods: The NACP adhesive was immersed in lactic acid at pH 4 to exhaust its calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) ion release, and then recharged with Ca and P ions. Dentin samples were pre-demineralized with 37% phosphoric acid, and then divided into four groups: (1) dentin control, (2) dentin treated with PAMAM, (3) dentin with recharged NACP adhesive, (4) dentin with PAMAM + recharged NACP adhesive.

Zinc Absorption From Agronomically Biofortified Wheat Is Similar to Post-Harvest Fortified Wheat and Is a Substantial Source of Bioavailable Zinc in Humans.

Background: Limited data exist on human zinc absorption from wheat biofortified via foliar (FBW) or root (hydroponically fortified wheat, HBW) zinc application. Stable isotope labels added at point of consumption (extrinsic labeling) might not reflect absorption from native zinc obtained by intrinsic labeling.

Objectives: We measured fractional and total zinc absorption (FAZ, TAZ) in FBW and HBW wheat, compared with control wheat (CW) and fortified wheat (FW).

Effect of benzalkonium chloride on dentin bond strength and endogenous enzymatic activity.

Objective: This in vitro study evaluated at baseline (T0) and over time (T12 months), the effect of a multi-mode universal adhesive compared with two experimental formulations blended with different concentrations of benzalkonium chloride (BAC), on bond strength and endogenous enzymatic activity.

Methods And Materials: Specimens were assigned to the following groups according to the adhesive protocol: G1) All-Bond Universal (ABU) self-etch (SE); G2) ABU + 0.5% BAC SE; G3) ABU + 1% methacrylate BAC SE; G4) ABU etch-and-rinse (E&R); G5) ABU + 0.

Contribution of biomimetic collagen-ligand interaction to intrafibrillar mineralization.

Contemporary models of intrafibrillar mineralization mechanisms are established using collagen fibrils as templates without considering the contribution from collagen-bound apatite nucleation inhibitors. However, collagen matrices destined for mineralization in vertebrates contain bound matrix proteins for intrafibrillar mineralization. Negatively charged, high-molecular weight polycarboxylic acid is cross-linked to reconstituted collagen to create a model for examining the contribution of collagen-ligand interaction to intrafibrillar mineralization.

Pulpotomy for carious pulp exposures in permanent teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The most commonly-accepted strategy for managing irreversible pulpitis, an irreversible condition of dental pulp inflammation, is root canal treatment, which is limited by high costs and complex techniques. High success rates have been reported for the use of pulpotomy in managing pulp exposure resulting from extensive caries. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of pulpotomy and associated medicaments in saving permanent teeth with pulp exposure resulting from extensive caries.

Polymer conjugation optimizes EDTA as a calcium-chelating agent that exclusively removes extrafibrillar minerals from mineralized collagen.

During development of mineralized collagenous tissues, intrafibrillar mineralization is achieved by preventing mineralization precursor inhibitors that are larger than 40 kDa from entering the collagen fibrils. Such a property is incorporated in the design of a calcium chelator for dentin bonding in the etch-and-rinse technique that selectively demineralizes extrafibrillar apatite while leaving the intrafibrillar minerals intact. This strategy prevents complete demineralization of collagen fibrils, avoids collapse of collagen that blocks resin infiltration after air-drying, and protects the completely demineralized fibrils from bacteria colonization and degradation by endogenous proteases after resin bonding.

Evaluation of several instrumentation techniques and irrigation methods on the percentage of untouched canal wall and accumulated dentine debris in C-shaped canals.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of instrumentation using Reciproc Blue (RB; VDW, Munich, Germany) and XP-endo Shaper (XP-S; FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-deFonds, Switzerland) systems on the area of untouched canal wall (AUCW), accumulated hard-tissue debris (AHTD) and the efficacy of three irrigation protocols on percentage reductions (red%) of AHTD within C-shaped canals of mandibular molars.

Methodology: Seventy mandibular molars with C-shaped canals were scanned, matched and assigned to two shaping groups (n = 35): RB and XP-S. Following instrumentation, specimens were triple-matched with respect to the amount of remaining debris and assigned to three irrigation subgroups (n = 10): syringe-and-needle irrigation (SNI), XP-endo Finisher (XP-F; FKG Dentaire) and passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI).

The GalNAc-T Activation (GALA) Pathway: Drivers and markers.

The enzymes GALNTs add GalNAc sugar to Ser and Thr residues, forming the Tn glycan. GALNTs are activated by trafficking from Golgi to ER, a process driven by the Src kinase and negatively regulated by ERK8. This GALNTs activation (aka GALA) pathway induces high Tn levels and is a key driver of liver tumor growth.

MMP-8-Responsive Polyethylene Glycol Hydrogel for Intraoral Drug Delivery.

Currently available drug delivery systems for oral diseases suffer from short retention time and poor local concentrations at the target site. A biodegradable stimulus-responsive hydrogel was synthesized in the present study to evaluate its application as an environmentally sensitive carrier for on-demand intraoral drug delivery. The hydrogel was synthesized from diacrylate-containing polyethylene glycol-based scaffolds and a cysteine-terminated peptide crosslinker (CGPQG↓IWGQC) via a Michael-type addition reaction.

Evolution to a Competency-Based Training Curriculum for Pharmaceutical Medicine Physicians in Switzerland.

In Switzerland, Pharmaceutical Medicine has existed as one of 46 physician specialties accredited by the Federal Office of Public Health for more than 20 years. As a medical-scientific discipline, our goal is to enable best possible therapeutic coverage for the benefit of patients and society through a medical need-based development and optimal use of medicinal products. The role of the specialist in Pharmaceutical Medicine is to closely collaborate with various stakeholders of the healthcare system in the context of the discovery, research, development and approval of new medicinal products, as well as safe and effective use of new and established medicinal products in daily clinical practice.

The effect of food medium on the wear behaviour of veneering porcelain: An in vitro study using the three-body abrasion mode.

Objectives: The present study examined the effect of food medium on the three-body wear behaviour of veneering porcelain derived from porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

Methods: Seventy-four rectangular metal-ceramic specimens were prepared using Ceramco III as the veneering porcelain. After storage in distilled water at 37 °C for 2 days, the specimens were tested with a custom-designed chewing machine with a stainless steel ball as antagonist (350 N loads, 2.

Management of Large Radicular Lesions Using Decompression: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

The purpose of this study was to report the clinical efficacy of decompression for 3 cases with large periapical lesions and to review technique details. Three cases with large periapical cystic lesions were treated with decompression after root canal treatment. A traditional decompression technique was used for the first case.

Recent progress in the industrial and biomedical applications of tragacanth gum: A review.

Natural polymers have distinct advantages over synthetic polymers because of their abundance, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Tragacanth gum, an anionic polysaccharide, is a natural polymer which is derived from renewable sources. As a biomaterial, tragacanth gum has been used in industrial settings such as food packaging and water treatment, as well as in the biomedical field as drug carriers and for wound healing purposes.

Novel bioactive root canal sealer with antibiofilm and remineralization properties.

Objectives: (1) To develop a novel bioactive root canal sealer with antibiofilm and remineralization properties using dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) and nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP); (2) investigate the effects on E. faecalis biofilm inhibition, sealer flow and sealing ability, compared with an epoxy-resin-based sealer AH Plus; and (3) investigate the calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) ion release from the sealers.

Methods: A series of dual-cure endodontic sealers were formulated with DMAHDM and NACP at 5% and 20% by mass, respectively.

A potential therapeutic target for regulating osteoporosis via suppression of osteoclast differentiation.

Objectives: Osteoclast differentiation is regulated by transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms. Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are 20-24 nucleotides long non-coding RNAs involved in post-translational regulation of gene expressions during osteoclast differentiation. The objective of the present study was to investigate the role played by the miRNA, miR-338-3p, in osteoclastogenesis.

Carbodiimide inactivation of matrix metalloproteinases in radicular dentine.

Objectives: The present in vitro study evaluated the effect of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC), a cross-linking agent used as an additional therapeutic primer for luting fiber posts to radicular dentine to prevent hybrid layer degradation.

Methods: Root canal treatment was performed on 80 extracted single-rooted human teeth. A 10-mm post space was prepared and pecimens were randomly assigned to four groups (n=20) according to the bonding system: 1) All Bond 3 (Bisco); 2) All Bond 3 + 0.

Bimodal antibacterial system based on quaternary ammonium silane-coupled core-shell hollow mesoporous silica.

Hollow mesoporous silica (HMS) have been extensively investigated as a biomaterial for drug delivery. The present study developed quaternary ammonium silane-grafted hollow mesoporous silica (QHMS) to create a metronidazole (MDZ) sustained delivery system, MDZ@QHMS, with bimodal, contact-kill and release-kill capability. The QHMS was assembled through a self-templating method.

Novel multifunctional nanocomposite for root caries restorations to inhibit periodontitis-related pathogens.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to: (1) develop a novel multifunctional composite with nanoparticles of silver (NAg), 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) and nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP); and (2) investigate biofilm-inhibition via the multifunctional nanocomposite against three species of periodontal pathogens for the first time.

Methods: The multifunctional nanocomposite was fabricated by incorporating NAg, MPC, DMAHDM and NACP into the resin consisting of pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate (PMDGDM) and ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA). Three species (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Fusobacterium nucleatum) were tested for metabolic activity (MTT), live/dead staining, polysaccharide production and colony-forming units (CFU) of biofilms grown on resins.

Novel Biomedical Applications of Crosslinked Collagen.

Collagen is one of the most useful biopolymers because of its low immunogenicity and biocompatibility. The biomedical potential of natural collagen is limited by its poor mechanical strength, thermal stability, and enzyme resistance, but exogenous chemical, physical, or biological crosslinks have been used to modify the molecular structure of collagen to minimize degradation and enhance mechanical stability. Although crosslinked collagen-based materials have been widely used in biomedicine, there is no standard crosslinking protocol that can achieve a perfect balance between stability and functional remodeling of collagen.

Isocyanate-terminated urethane-based dental adhesive bridges dentinal matrix collagen with adhesive resin.

Commercially available dental adhesives fail to chemically unite the demineralized collagen matrix with resinous materials within the resin-dentin interface. Sub-micron separations between the collagen fibrils and polymerized resin provide the backdrop for bond deterioration. Here, novel isocyanate-terminated urethane methacrylate precursors (UMP) were synthesized with the capacity to bond chemically to dentin collagen via covalent and hydrogen bonds.

Associations among Bruxism, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, and Tooth Wear.

The relationship between bruxism and tooth wear is contentious in the literature. The pathophysiological processes of tooth wear may be complicated by the relationship between bruxism and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The objective of this study was to evaluate the associations among bruxism, GERD, and tooth wear.